Join the Monroe Township Library and the Monroe Township Senior Center to count down to the New Year.
A musical concert with vocalist Anthony Tabish will begin at 11:30 p.m. Dec. 31 and end shortly after midnight.
RSVP to the event by visiting https://tinyurl.com/MonroeNYE. Zoom information will be emailed to all registrants day of event.
Call the Monroe Township Library at 732-521-5000 with any questions.
This is a virtual event. The library and senior center will be closed during the event.
The East Brunswick Public Library will kick off 2021 with the first virtual program in the new “Option Green: Climate Change & Community” environmental education initiative.
The first program in the series is a discussion of the PBS documentary “Decoding the Weather Machine” with New Jersey State Climatologist David A. Robinson at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13. The documentary explores how scientists and researchers have been working to understand weather and climate better. The documentary can be viewed in advance of the program via www.pbs.org, or the DVD can be reserved with a library card from any Middlesex County public library.
The program will be held virtually, with closed captioning available. Tickets are recommended for this free program. To reserve your ticket, or for additional information, visit www.ebpl.org/optiongreen or call 732-390-6767.
The Option Green programs are funded by the American Library Association’s “Resilient Communities: Libraries Respond to Climate Change” pilot program and sponsorship from the Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission and East Brunswick Public Library. Other community partners include Highland Park Public Library, Matawan-Aberdeen Library, New Brunswick Free Public Library, North Brunswick Library, Old Bridge Public Library, Plainsboro Public Library and South Brunswick Public Library.
Assemblyman Joe Danielsen’s “Head to Toe” clothing drive is seeking donations of hats, scarves, mittens/gloves and socks for children ages 3-16.
Any donations must be clean and washed, and placed in a Ziploc bag and left in the designated box outside his office at 334 Elizabeth Ave., Somerset, on the second floor.
The drive will last until Feb. 15.
For more information, call 732-247-3999 or email [email protected].
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The Jamesburg Police Department is currently accepting applications for a part-time crossing guard.
Hours are 7:30-8:45 a.m. and 2:30-3:30 p.m.
The salary is $14 per hour.
Applications can be picked up at police headquarters, 131 Perrineville Road, Jamesburg.
For more information, call 732-521-0011 or email Cpl. Caltabellatta at [email protected]
Spotswood VFW Post 4589 will host a blood drive from 1-7 p.m. Dec. 29 at the post, 33 Daniel Road, Spotswood.
Appointments suggested. Walk-ins accepted if space allows.
For an appointment, visit smarturl.it/NJBS_Drive using sponsor code 13807; or call 800-933-2566.
A support group for public health employees will be held at 4 p.m. Thursdays in December.
The open discussion will focus on the importance of nurturing emotional and mental health during COVID-19 and beyond.
The groups will share about how the pandemic has impacted emotional health for public health employees, and discuss wellness strategies to manage stress and promote healing.
Log into Zoom using Meeting ID 911 7223 6441 with passcode 934178.
This program is presented by New Jersey Hope and Healing.
For more information, visit www.mhanj.org
The Township of East Brunswick has partnered with CivicReady for all emergency and township notifications.
The CivicReady Mass Notification System is a free communication service available to keep residents, business owners, and the surrounding community informed of critical incidents and community information. The system will be used to issue urgent notifications, critical information, emergency instructions, public safety warnings, and other communications to subscribed users via phone call, text message and/or email.
Beginning Jan. 1, the East Brunswick Police Department will no longer use Nixle for such alerts. All current Nixle subscribers must register with CivicReady to continue receiving Emergency and Township Notifications after Dec. 31.
Registration can be completed at www.eastbrunswick.org/alerts.
Subscribe for text alerts by sending “Join East Brunswick” to 30890.
For more information, email [email protected].
The Soup for Seniors Winter Soup Drive will be held through Jan. 1 at CareOne East Brunswick, 664 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.
Donate soup to local seniors in need.
For more information, call 732-653-1178.
A support group for public health employees will be held at 4 p.m. Thursdays in December.
The open discussion will focus on the importance of nurturing emotional and mental health during COVID-19 and beyond.
The groups will share about how the pandemic has impacted emotional health for public health employees, and discuss wellness strategies to manage stress and promote healing.
Log into Zoom using Meeting ID 911 7223 6441 with passcode 934178.
This program is presented by New Jersey Hope and Healing.
For more information, visit www.mhanj.org
Raritan Valley Road Runners, one of the largest running clubs in New Jersey, is accepting applications for a new scholarship program designed to help student runners in cross country or track and field who attend high school or community college in Middlesex and Somerset counties.
A one-time award of $1,000 will be made to each of two outstanding athletes enrolling in post-secondary education.
The scholarships are not based entirely on speed or competitions won, but rather on strong academics, sportsmanship, citizenship and financial need.
The scholarships are funded by individual donations, funds from club-sponsored races and business contributions.
Eligible applicants will be graduating from high school in Middlesex or Somerset counties in 2021 or currently attending community college in these counties. They will need to prove acceptance to a full-time (12 credits or more) associate or bachelor’s degree program. They will have a weighted GPA of 2.75 or higher as demonstrated by an unofficial transcript. And they will need to demonstrate passionate participation as a runner in a cross country or track and field in their junior and senior years of high school or while at community college. Participation in extracurricular activities and community involvement will also be considered.
For more information, application materials, or to donate to the scholarship fund, email [email protected].
The deadline to apply is Jan. 31. Scholarships will be awarded in April.
High school students are invited to enter their substance use prevention messages through their original music as part of the music and song writing competition, “Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs New Jersey,” sponsored by New Jersey Broadcasters and 959.9-FM WRAT.
The competition is designed to challenge New Jersey high school students to create original music and lyrics with powerful peer-to-peer substance use, misuse and prevention messages. Entries are accepted through Feb. 1.
All music genres are welcomed from students interested in sharing their talent and inspiring messages about shouting down drugs and raising up their voices to inspire their peers.
The winner of the New Jersey Shout Down Drugs competition, as decided by judges and announced at the end of the Prevention Concert, will receive a $5,000 music contract. The second- and third-place performers will receive $3,000 and $2,000 music contracts, respectively, with the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.
For rules and information on how to enter, contact Diane Higgins at 973-275-7985.
Ongoing
The South River Police Department is currently accepting resumes for the position of Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO).
The Class III SLEO will work under the direction of the chief of police. Class III special officers will be assigned to various public schools within the borough where they will perform school safety and security details.
Minimum qualifications:
• Must be a retired police officer who previously served as a duly qualified, fully trained, full time officer in any municipality or county of this state, or as a member of the New Jersey State Police, and must live in New Jersey.
• Must be retired from that agency in good standing, within three years of appointment to this position.
• Must be less than 65 years of age at the time of appointment.
• Must pass a psychological exam.
• Must pass a medical exam and have a Doctor complete Medical Certification.
• Must pass a drug test pursuant to Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Drug Testing Policy.
• Must successfully pass a background investigation.
• Possess a valid New Jersey Driver License.
• Possess a NJ Police Training Commission Basic Police Officer Certification of NJ State Police Academy.
Interested applicants must submit a resume outlining qualifications for this position to Chief Mark E. Tinitigan, South River Police Department, 61 Main St. South River 08882.
Applicants are requested to apply as soon as possible.
The Borough of South River is an equal opportunity employer.
East Brunswick’s first Cornhole Doubles League will play on either Saturday or Sunday mornings.
Sign up as a team or individual.
Everyone is guaranteed one match a week for 8 weeks, with the playoffs the last week.
Teams will play best 2 out of 3 set matches.
Maximum eight teams per day.
Must be 18 or older.
Games will be played indoors at the Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.
Participants must follow social distancing and COVID guidelines, and wear masks.
The cost of the 9-week season is $45 for residents or $65 for non-residents.
Register via the Recreation Department’s Online System.
As part of National Crime Prevention Month, the South River Police Department is reminding residents about its home security inspection program. Through this free program, an officer from the department visits a home to identify security weaknesses and areas of concern that would allow potential criminals to make the residence an easy target.
The officer, who has received specific training in this area, then makes recommendations to help remedy these issues and help better protect the home. The goal is to reduce the risk of you and your family becoming a victim of home burglaries and other crimes.
To schedule an appointment for a free home security inspection, contact Ptlmn. Wesley Sanches at 732-254-1150, ext. 107
The new EBesports Club will begin leagues and tournaments later in the month.
The cost is $25 yearly membership for East Brunswick teens, or $35 for non-East Brunswick friends. Club membership runs through Dec. 31, 2021.
Players must have their own gaming equipment.
Parent/guardian permission is required.
Information will be available at www.eastbrunswick.org/esports.
The Monroe Township Police Department has created a new Facebook page to help keep the citizens of Monroe informed.
The new link is at www.facebook.com/MonroePoliceNJ/ @MonroePoliceNJ
For more information on the department, visit www.monroetwppolice.org/
To document the experiences of the community while living through the COVID-19 pandemic, the East Brunswick Public Library has been collecting submissions to a COVID-19 Community Time Capsule.
The time capsule can be viewed online at www.ebpl.org/history
The library is still taking submissions at this time.
The Community Pet Food Bank by New Beginnings Animal Rescue is open from 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, with varying hours on Saturdays, on the grounds of Nativity Lutheran Church, 552 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick.
For more information, visit nbarnj.org
The Jamesburg Public Library will hold its board meetings on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m.
These meetings are open to the public, and will take place on Zoom for the remainder of the year.
Visit jamesburglibrary.org or www.facebook.com/JamesburgLibrary/ for further information.
Each meeting will have a different Zoom link and passcode
To showcase emerging artists in the area, the East Brunswick Public Library held the Grownup Summer 2020 Art Challenge.
The result is an online gallery, sharing the work of area residents.
It is available online for viewing at ilove.ebpl.org/art-challenge.
The East Brunswick Recreation, Parks & Community Services Department is collecting non-perishable food, cash and gift cards for distribution to Aldersgate Community Outreach Center.
Drop off food in the back of the box truck parked in the parking lot, 334 Dunhams Corner Road; the door is kept down so lift it to put donations inside.
Or, drop cash/check/gift cards in an envelope and put in the drop box next to the front door to the Recreation Department.
The South River Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of school crossing guard (part-time/substitute).
School crossing guards work under the direction of the police department and are responsible for the safe crossing of school children and other pedestrians at designated crossing areas within the Borough of South River.
Minimum qualifications:
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must possess a minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Must be a United States citizen
• Must be a resident of New Jersey
• Must be of sound body and of good health with vision and hearing adequate to perform essential job functions
• Must possess a valid New Jersey driver’s license
• Must be of good moral character and not be convicted of any criminal offense
Applications can be obtained from and returned to South River Municipal Offices, 48 Washington St., South River.
Raritan Valley YMCA in East Brunswick is offering a new hybrid learning club, a wraparound school age program to roll over from summer camp to a full-day learning experience that combines virtual learning with outdoor activities.
Students can bring their virtual learning devices. Credentialed staff will aid in classwork and homework during the day.
The afternoon portion will run similar to Camp Yomeca. Activities will include arts and crafts, tennis, basketball and STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) along with an afternoon snack. Swimming will be included in September, weather-permitting.
For the session schedule and rates, and to register, visit https://raritanvalleyymca.org/member-connection#/programs/22527368/hybrid-learning-club/
The East Brunswick Jewish Center is providing minyanim twice every day, services on Shabbat and holidays, adult education classes and Lunch and Learn with the Rabbi.
Membership welcome but not necessary.
Visit www.ebjc.org/online-events for more information.
Raritan Valley YMCA is encouraging residents to #StayWithUs during this time, in particular by visiting the Y’s Facebook page for virtual events, programs and classes.
Adult programs include group fitness classes provided by Y360, Les Mills and from Y instructors. Programs and classes will be updated on a week-to-week basis. The ZOOM app is required; email [email protected] for log-in details.
The Facebook page also features live story time and creative arts with Ms. Preeti and Ms. Brenda.
Details Camp Yomeca day camp are available on the website. Online registration is open.
For more information, visit raritanvalleyymca.org.
Monroe Township Jewish War Veterans Post 609 is collecting United States and foreign stamps, both on and off envelopes.
Stamps are used by veterans as hobbies and as therapy to support medical staff at VA Medical Centers nationwide.
Stamps are not traded or sold; they are forwarded to veteran patients at no charge.
Also requested are DVDs suitable for veterans at those locations.
Send all items to JWV Post 609, c/o Charles Koppelman, 6 Yarmouth Dr., Monroe 08831-4742.
The East Brunswick Domestic Response Team is seeking volunteers.
Citizens are trained to respond to local police departments on an on-call basis to provide support and information to victims of domestic abuse.
For more information, email [email protected].
The Korean War/Defense Veterans Association Central Jersey Chapter No. 148 extends an invitation to any veterans, regardless of branch of service, who served during the war from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953, in any location, including Europe, or who have served in Korea from July 27, 1953, through the present.
The group meets at 10 a.m. the second Wednesday of every month —except January through April — at the Monroe Township Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza.
Membership dues are $25 to the Korean War Veterans Association and $10 chapter fee per year.
The chapter is involved in various functions during the year, including parades, flag raisings, visiting the Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City, etc.
For more information, contact Charles Koppelman at 609-655-3111 or [email protected].
Dove Hospice Services of New Jersey seeks compassionate volunteers to provide support to local hospice patients and their families.
Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their homes, which can also be nursing facilities or assisted living facilities, at least once a week. They read to the patient, reminisce about their lives, play cards, help with letter writing and provide respite for caregivers.
Visits can be virtual, and are either during the day or early evening.
Volunteers may also assist with administrative work within the hospice office.
Patient care volunteers complete an application and attend a virtual volunteer training program that covers the role of a hospice volunteer. Day and evening virtual training programs are offered.
To sign up for the next virtual training class, contact Volunteer Coordinator Deborah Adams at 732-405-3035 or email [email protected].